SOURCE: AFI
India has been steadily growing its defense ties with nations across Southeast Asia, and a significant step in this direction is its offer to co-develop weapons with the Philippines. The Indo-Pacific region’s evolving security landscape, marked by rising territorial tensions and growing concerns over China’s assertive behavior in the South China Sea, has brought defense cooperation to the forefront for both countries. India’s burgeoning defense industry, with its successful track record in indigenous weapon development and export, offers the Philippines an opportunity to enhance its military capabilities and fortify its defense posture.
India, with its rapidly advancing defense manufacturing sector, can provide both expertise and equipment that would significantly benefit the Philippines’ modernization drive. The co-development approach would allow the Philippines to tailor weapons systems to its specific operational needs while benefiting from technology transfer and indigenous production capabilities.
India has a wide array of defense technologies that could be of interest to the Philippines. Here’s a look at some potential weapons and systems India could offer for co-development:
1. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
One of the most prominent and high-profile defense collaborations between India and the Philippines has already been the sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The Philippines is expected to receive the BrahMos under a deal signed in 2022, making it the first foreign nation to acquire the system. However, India could take this collaboration further by offering the Philippines the opportunity to co-develop future versions of the BrahMos missile or to establish a local production facility.
Given the challenges the Philippines faces in safeguarding its extensive maritime territory, the BrahMos provides an effective deterrent against naval incursions. Future variants, such as longer-range or ship-launched versions, could be jointly developed, tailored to the Philippines’ requirements for coastal defense and sea denial capabilities.
2. Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System
India’s Akash missile system, an indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) platform, could be a strong candidate for co-development. The Akash system is capable of intercepting a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. This system would provide the Philippines with a robust air defense solution that can protect its key military installations and strategic areas.
Co-development of an upgraded Akash system, possibly with extended range or integration with the Philippines’ existing defense architecture, would enable the country to establish a layered air defense network, crucial for responding to any threats from the air.
3. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL)
India’s Pinaka MBRL system, a highly mobile and versatile artillery platform, could also be co-developed with the Philippines. Capable of delivering rapid and concentrated firepower across a broad area, the Pinaka system would enhance the Philippines’ ground forces’ capabilities in both conventional warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
A joint development program could focus on producing a localized version of Pinaka suited to the specific terrains and operational needs of the Philippines. Additionally, the system’s guided rocket variant could be co-developed to increase range and accuracy, providing the Philippines with an effective means of both area saturation and precision strikes.
4. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
As the Philippines looks to modernize its air force, India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) could be an attractive option for co-development. The Tejas is an indigenously developed multi-role fighter that is lightweight, agile, and cost-effective. A co-development partnership on the Tejas could allow the Philippines to customize the fighter for its operational needs, including maritime surveillance and air defense missions.
In the long term, this collaboration could pave the way for the Philippines to establish a domestic aerospace industry, with the potential for future upgrades or the development of new variants.
5. Advanced Torpedo Systems
Given the Philippines’ strategic focus on enhancing its maritime security, India’s expertise in naval weapons such as torpedoes could be of significant value. India has successfully developed advanced torpedoes like the Varunastra, an indigenously designed heavyweight torpedo. Co-developing a torpedo system optimized for the Philippines’ specific needs, such as coastal defense or anti-submarine warfare (ASW), would greatly boost its naval capabilities.
6. Armored Vehicles and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)
India’s defense manufacturing sector has developed a variety of armored vehicles and IFVs, such as the WhAP (Wheeled Armored Platform), that could be co-developed with the Philippines. These vehicles would enhance the mobility and firepower of the Philippine Army, particularly in its efforts to counter insurgencies and secure its borders.
A joint development effort could focus on creating vehicles that are well-suited to the Philippines’ diverse terrains, from urban settings to the jungle and mountainous regions where insurgents often operate.
India’s offer to co-develop weapons with the Philippines represents a significant step forward in the defense relationship between the two nations. With India’s growing defense industry and the Philippines’ urgent need for modernization, a partnership in co-development could yield mutually beneficial results. From missiles to fighter jets, the array of weapons India could offer covers the full spectrum of military needs, giving the Philippines access to advanced technologies and capabilities.